Chapter 29: Golden Silks and Sattins Move People's Hearts

  Hanjou, inside the Japanese army command center.

  A yellowish kerosene lamp hung on the wall, shrouding the entire dark room in a strange atmosphere. The commander of the First Army, General Yamagata Aritomo, Lieutenant-General Nozu Michitsura, Major-General Ogawa Mataji and Major-General Kanasugi Eppei sat around a small table, if at this time a shell came over, the First Army would be finished.

  Shan Xianyou stood alone, his body bent forward as he faced the other three, while the other three were also staring at Shan Xianyou with green lights flashing in their eyes, just like a few thieves waiting to divide the spoils in Ali Baba.

  Yamagata's eyes darted back and forth a few times, and he lowered his voice to say: "Everyone present is an elite of the Great Japanese Empire, and are indispensable talents for my First Army. The empire had originally thought that we could make Korea our colony, but unfortunately it was ruined by the Qing people. Therefore, there are some things that we must prepare in advance, in case something unexpected happens."

  Seeing several others listening intently, a greedy glint flashed in Yamagata's eyes as he swallowed hard and continued: "Those are the spoils of war we obtained from Korea. After months of meticulous searching by our great Imperial Japanese Army, countless gold, celadon, Buddha statues, crowns, necklaces... these treasures were all won through the arduous battles fought under the guidance of our great Emperor. Of course, the spoils must be handed over to our greatest Emperor, but we can take a small portion as a hardship allowance. If anyone doesn't want to take any, please leave! Once you've taken it, this matter will be known only to us and heaven and earth. If even a hint of rumor leaks out, don't blame my methods."

  Everyone sat steadily, and Notsu Dogen rubbed his hands together, grinning as he asked: "Commander, what you consider a small amount, just how much is it? If it's too little, there won't be enough for the few of us to divide." The others hastily agreed.

  "Rest assured, gentlemen," said Shan Xianyou with a wave of his hand, followed by a hearty laugh. "I, Shan Xianyou, will never shortchange you. It will be an enormous fortune beyond your wildest imagination!"

  Xiangshan County sighed and said, "Alas, if the empire defeats Qingguo, it can truly gain countless benefits, not comparable to the small treasures of today."

  Several people thought of the Qing dynasty and Ye Zhi Kui, their hearts still trembling with fear, silent and speechless.

  "Gentlemen! Do you know how much spoils of war our great Japan has obtained this time? Just gold alone is 500 tons. The value of other rare treasures, cultural relics and ancient books is immeasurable. In comparison, the losses of our great Japanese Empire in Korea are almost negligible. Hmph! Only those foolish Qing people are stupid enough to not only bear the losses of war themselves but also help the Koreans rebuild their country. Therefore, gentlemen, do not be discouraged. It can be said that our Japan has completely won this war. As long as we persist in reforming under the leadership of the Emperor, I believe that the power of our Japanese Empire will soon surpass that of the Qing. When that time comes, it will be our turn to take revenge."

  Little River echoed in agreement: "After all, Your Excellency's analysis is thorough. With just our First Army, we've made Qing China so busy and flustered. If it weren't for our country's limited strength, we would have defeated Qing China long ago. We should prepare our horses and sharpen our swords to plan another attack."

  "Now, let's talk about gold again."

  ……

  Ye Zhi led his soldiers through day and night, and after several days, they were not far from the city of Han. When there was still over a hundred miles to go, he ordered the soldiers to take a short rest and gather together, as he had something to say.

  The soldiers had been marching for several days, and as they watched, they were getting farther and farther away from Pingdu and closer to Hancheng. Even the most foolish person could see that something was amiss, and it couldn't be just a drill. Could it be to attack Shanxian County? Some hot-headed soldiers thought so, but more of them didn't know what they were doing, yet they trusted their commander Ye Shao, and with him by their side, they would follow him even in death, so not one person raised any questions along the way.

  Feng Guozhang and others who were with He Yonglin couldn't help but secretly shake their heads, if they came to lead the troops, the soldiers would have already made a big fuss.

  Not long after Ye Zhi's order was passed down, the soldiers stood up one by one, standing in neat rows, looking forward with their heads held high, and waiting for Ye Zhi's arrival in silence.

  Soon, Ye Zhiwei led the group of people to come, seeing this situation, very happy, this is his ideal elite soldier, Jian Ren Shi Wu, Tu Fu, Feng Guozhang, Wen Baishan and other high-ranking military officers are all fighting well behind him.

  Ye Zhi Kui took a step forward, looking at the many fervent eyes, and said: "Brothers, you have been with me through thick and thin for a long time, and you all know that I, Ye Mou, always speak directly. Today, I won't beat around the bush with you either. Let me tell you our purpose this time. We're not here to do some exercise or drill. This time, we're specifically going to rob the Japanese."

  Feng Guozhang heard this behind him and smiled bitterly. This Ye Shao, how could he speak so clearly about this matter? The soldiers were used by him like bandits, yet they still spoke with such righteousness.

  "I have received intelligence that the Japanese have hidden several batches of treasure near Hanzhong, and our goal is to get it. This time we are going out to make a fortune, so all brothers will have money to take. This time, everyone who goes out with me, regardless of whether they are high-ranking or low-ranking officials, will receive 200 taels of silver each. Those who sacrifice themselves will be given 500 taels as a funeral fee for their families. Of course, I personally do not want you to take that 500 taels of silver." The soldiers below heard that everyone would get so much silver and all showed joyful expressions.

  "But!" Ye Zhi Kui's face changed, and the crowd became solemn. Ye Zhi Kui continued, "If anyone dares to embezzle, I believe my brothers will not let him off, and this knife in my hand will not let him off either."

  The generals responded in unison, after saying this, Ye Zhiwei let the soldiers take a rest first, to nourish their spirit and prepare for action at midnight. The places where the Japanese army hid their treasures had all been carefully observed by the Thirteen Hawks based on the intelligence provided by Jianren Shiwo. They were just waiting for Ye Zhiwei to go and retrieve them.

  "Butcher, you'd better find a few more clever people to keep an eye on things. Who knows if there's someone with ulterior motives who wants to try out my blade." Ye Zhikui said, turning around to face the butcher.

  The butcher's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said: "With me here, Young Master Ye can rest assured!" Then he continued to report: "By the way, Young Master Ye, the treasure that Xianzhu girl buried has been dug up by us. They are all kinds of rare antiques, pearls, jade and so on, which should be very valuable."

  Ye Zhi nodded and said: "Send someone to send these treasures back to the Pingchu army camp first." The butcher naturally agreed.

  When the time comes, I will be walking back and forth beside him, seemingly excited but also uneasy. The excitement is that he will soon see a large batch of treasure, and the unease is not knowing how much Ye Zhikui will give him.

  Ye Zhi Kui couldn't help but laugh, naturally understanding the little thoughts in his heart. He strolled over casually, drew near him and suddenly said: "See Ren, what are you doing here!"

  When I saw the commander, my conditioned reflex made me salute with one leg, but then I thought that we are not in the Japanese army anymore and awkwardly put down my arm. "Sir, I've been thinking carefully about this, wondering if there were any hidden treasure locations that I overlooked."

  Ye Zhi Kui patted his shoulder and said, "I, Ye Zhi Kui, am not a person who mistreats those under me. Since you've done so much for me, I've decided to reward you handsomely. Here's the deal: every time you help me find a treasure trove, I'll give you one-thousandth of the total amount as a reward."

  "One in a thousand!" Seeing Ren's words, I got excited and jumped up, my small eyes spinning around rapidly, and said: "Sir, let me think carefully."

  Ye Zhi Kui smiled and walked away, no longer paying attention to him, believing that he would understand when the time came.

  …………

  Call on brothers to vote and collect!